McGain hopes to make it to Ashes squad

Sydney, May 18 (ANI): Australian Test spinner Bryce McGain, who is hoping to make it to the Ashes squad, believes the national selectors are confused about picking Nathan Hauritz over him.

"I guess the selectors are still searching. None of us have really grabbed it and kept running with it. They are just as uncertain as the spinners are," The Sydney Morning Herald quoted McGain, as saying.

Hauritz is poised to lead the Australian spin response in England as the only specialist slow bowler contracted by Cricket Australia in its top 25 last week, which would make him the fifth choice in four successive tours, following McGain in South Africa, Jason Krejza in India, and Beau Casson and Stuart MacGill in the West Indies.

Hauritz also earned a spot during the home series against New Zealand and the Proteas last summer before being overlooked for the return leg in South Africa.

McGain's poor Test debut yielded 0-149 from 18 overs at Newlands, and he lost his central contract.

McGain indicated that Hauritz's selection for the Ashes appeared a mere formality when the squad is announced on Wednesday.

"I am sure the selectors have already made up their minds. I am hopeful, but not really expecting anything," McGain said.

McGain has been training six times a week since his return from South Africa, hoping to get his Cricket Australia contract back.

"If I don't get an opportunity, it's not the end of the world either; there is other cricket to be played. Victoria is in the Champions League Twenty20. Every opportunity, I get I will be bowling my best," McGain said.

"All that stuff is out of your control, but it doesn't mean I can't get back and earn a contract by playing again. It is far from over," he added. (ANI)